The aim of SPRINT is to enable end-to-end European manufacturing processes and data flows for the security requirements of customers in the aerospace, defense and critical infrastructure sectors for the first time. SPRINT thus supports the strategic EU goal of building resilient semiconductor supply chains. At the same time, GF is strengthening Saxony’s role as the European center for semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the planned investments in Germany during his visit to GF Dresden on October 28: “The SPRINT project is a commitment to Germany as an industrial location and innovation hub – and above all to the sovereignty of our country and Europe. The investment in chip production in Dresden sends out a signal that Germany wants to play an active role in shaping the development of the global semiconductor market. Germany already plays a leading role in microelectronics in Europe. With the national microelectronics strategy, the federal government is setting the course for further expanding this strength.”
High-profile visit to the hallowed halls of GlobalFoundries.
Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer added: “The further expansion of semiconductor production here at GlobalFoundries is a clear commitment to a unique location. The billion-euro investment is further good news for Silicon Saxony, Europe’s most important microelectronics location, and demonstrates the attractiveness and dynamism of the cluster that has grown here. However, it will not only strengthen Saxony’s economy – Germany and Europe will also benefit. Because more chips manufactured here also means more German and European sovereignty and technological independence in this key industry. The example of chip manufacturer Nexperia is currently demonstrating Germany’s economic vulnerability if it becomes too dependent.”
The additional production capacities in Dresden will focus on GF’s highly differentiated technologies. They score points with key performance features such as low energy consumption, embedded secure memory and wireless connectivity, which meet Europe’s requirements for chips in the automotive, industrial automation, defense and medical technology sectors. These industries are currently being rapidly transformed by the rise of so-called “Physical AI” technologies, for which GF’s semiconductors are indispensable. The term Physical AI refers to the integration of artificial intelligence into physical products and systems. While traditional AI applications are often limited to software solutions, Physical AI goes one step further and brings intelligence directly into the chips and sensors.
Dresden’s largest fab, GlobalFoundries’ Fab1 is expanding its production capacity.
“The recent disruptions in the automotive sector highlight how vulnerable global chip supply chains really are. Our planned expansion in Dresden is another step in GF’s strategy to specifically address these challenges and fulfill our commitment to secure supply chains and differentiated technologies in Europe,” said Tim Breen, CEO of GlobalFoundries. “By expanding our manufacturing capabilities in Europe, the US and globally, GF is strengthening its role as a resilient and trusted partner for customers in critical industries and laying the foundation for the next wave of innovation as Physical AI becomes a reality.”
Dr. Manfred Horstmann, General Manager and Senior Vice President at GlobalFoundries Dresden, added: “With this planned investment, we are deepening our commitment to Germany and Europe. The expansion of cleanroom capacity will not only meet demand, but also secure the future of Europe’s industrial base and ensure local access to essential chip technologies.”
GF recently joined the “Made for Germany” initiative, an association of companies that demonstrate their long-term commitment to Germany through extensive industrial investments. Since 2009, GF has invested more than 10 billion euros in its Dresden site – one of the largest industrial investments in the country.
About GF
GlobalFoundries (GF) is a leading manufacturer of semiconductors that the world relies on to live, work and connect. We innovate and collaborate with our customers to develop more energy-efficient and higher-performance products for the automotive industry, smart mobile devices, the Internet of Things, communications infrastructure and other high-growth markets. With a global manufacturing base spanning the US, Europe and Asia, GF is a trusted and reliable source for customers around the world. Every day, our talented and diverse team delivers results with a relentless focus on safety, longevity and sustainability.
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Further links
👉 www.gf.com
Photos: GlobalFoundries
